September month to make emergency preparations

Authorities will work with other states and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to encourage individual plans for homes and businesses.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director Jonathon Monken (MUN'-kihn) says a plan should include where to go and how to communicate during disasters as well as an emergency supply kit.

IEMA relies on its Ready Illinois website during disasters. Updates are also posted on Facebook and Twitter. Information is provided about the incident, shelter locations, road closures, safety information and more.

The agency will host its annual emergency management conference Wednesday through Friday in Springfield for more than 1,000 representatives from fire, law enforcement, emergency management and public health.